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Major-General-Edward-Buba
The Defence Headquarters has vowed to dismantle the operational capabilities of a newly identified terrorist group known as Lakurawa.
Speaking penultimate Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Buba Edward revealed the existence of the group and criticised residents for failing to promptly alert security personnel.
The group, according to reports, has been wreaking havoc in Sokoto and Kebbi states.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Buba stated that the military was no longer concerned with the group’s origins but was now focused on eliminating them due to the threat they pose to national security.
He said, “Our one big goal is to dismantle this terrorist group, destroy their military capabilities as well as their fighting capabilities. We are doing just that.”
Buba speaking on the recent attack on a military checkpoint in Abia State and allegations of reprisal by the military on the community, said the troops were targeting the terrorists and not innocent citizens.
He said, “Indeed, on the 13th of November or thereabouts, our troops at a checkpoint within the vicinity of that community were attacked. We recorded some casualties. Indeed, we recorded three casualties.
“Now, some members of the community say that they have abandoned the location. I need to remind you that we are a professional force. That is not how we operate. Even as much as there will be consequences for the terrorist group that escalated that situation, our targets are not innocent Nigerians.
“Our targets are the terrorists, and we will go after them or are going after them. And sooner than later, we will break them to pieces. We are taking up the battle.”
Speaking on the achievement of troops in the last one week, Buba said the military killed 115 terrorists, arrested 289 suspects, and rescued 138 kidnapped victims.
He also said they recovered 872,070 litres of stolen crude oil and 67,985 litres of illegally refined diesel worth N921m and dismantled extensive illegal refining operations.
